Welcome to Materials Australia
Materials Australia is the peak representative body of Australian materials scientists and engineers, and related professionals.
As the trusted voice of the industry, our Vision is to be the peak materials body in Australia and provide our members with the best information and training available. We do this via access to networks into industry, research, education, government and the wider community.
Our History
Established in 1946, Materials Australia is the result of a merger of several related societies.
Throughout our 75+ year history, we have seen changes in technology and society create new materials and applications. This ever expanding diversity in the field of materials science and engineers has broadened the scope of interest within the community.
Originally focused on servicing the needs of engineers and metallurgists, Materials Australia membership has emerged as a representation of this new world of materials. Our members have wide and varied experience, from working with light alloys and metals, through to ceramics and composites.
Today, materials are rapidly evolving in the wake of factors like climate change, improvements in health, commercial innovation, and productivity. Materials Australia and our members are at the forefront of this evolution. This ensures we are well placed to facilitate access to knowledge that not only provides our members with the best information and training available in business but—more importantly—benefits the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
What Do We Mean by ‘Materials’?
The term "materials" refers to the substances or substances that are used to make or construct objects, products, or structures. It encompasses a wide range of substances, including metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, textiles, and more. Materials can have different properties and characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications or purposes.
The Field of Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the structure, properties, and behavior of materials, and how they can be manipulated, processed, and combined to achieve desired performance characteristics. By investigating materials at both atomic and molecular levels, this field explores ways to develop new materials with tailored properties that meet the needs of emerging technologies.
Why Materials Matter
Materials are fundamental to almost every industry—including engineering, construction, manufacturing, electronics, healthcare, and energy. They can be classified in a variety of ways, such as:
Materials are at the heart of almost every industry—engineering, manufacturing, electronics, construction, healthcare, and energy. They are categorized in various ways, including by composition (organic vs. inorganic) or properties (conductors, insulators, magnetic, transparent, etc.). The evolution of materials often drives technological progress, enabling advancements in everything from faster electronics to more sustainable infrastructure.
Innovation in materials often drives technological progress, enabling everything from faster computers to more sustainable buildings.
The Role of Materials Australia
Materials Australia represents a diverse and vibrant community of individuals and organizations involved in the field of materials. Its membership includes general members, Certified Materials Professionals (CMatPs), and a wide range of corporate members. Together, they support the advancement and application of materials science and engineering throughout Australia and beyond.
We are a Technical Society of Engineers Australia. Materials Australia is also affiliated with the Indian Institute of Metals and the Japanese Institue of Metals and Materials as well as many associations in Australia.
For more information about Materials Australia call our office on +61 3 9326 7266 or email imea@materialsaustralia.com.au
